Vedanta Lanjigarh conducts emergency mock drill to reinforce Zero Harm commitment
By Pramod Sahukar
Lanjigarh (Kalahandi), Jan. 7: Vedanta Aluminium on Tuesday conducted an emergency mock drill at its Lanjigarh alumina refinery to test preparedness for high-risk operational situations and assess the effectiveness of its Emergency Response Plan.
The simulated drill was carried out at the Red Mud Pond area, where a scenario involving the entrapment of an excavator operator following a sudden red mud collapse was recreated. As part of the exercise, operations were immediately halted, the area was secured, and energy sources were isolated to prevent any escalation of the situation.
Rescue, combat and auxiliary teams were mobilised within four to six minutes and successfully evacuated the trapped operator using prescribed personal protective equipment and specialised rescue tools. Officials said the drill helped assess response time, communication protocols and coordination among various teams. Observations and improvement measures identified during the exercise have been documented for future preparedness.
Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said regular mock drills were essential to ensure quick and confident responses during emergencies. “By continuously testing our systems, we ensure the safety of our people, operations and neighbouring communities,” he said.
The drill was conducted in the presence of senior plant officials and community representatives. The company said it regularly conducts safety drills in coordination with agencies such as the Odisha Directorate of Factories and Boilers, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA).
Vedanta Aluminium said it has implemented several safety initiatives at the Lanjigarh refinery, including simulator-based driving training, the Suraksha Sankalp behavioural safety programme and smart AAINA safety models to encourage safe practices in high-risk zones.
